Privacy Policy

Effective Date: 24/02/2025

 

At Claire’s Counselling Service I am committed to protecting your privacy and maintaining the confidentiality of your personal information. I am pleased to inform you that my counselling services is fully registered with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) to ensure your personal data is handled with the utmost care and in compliance with data protection regulations.  This Privacy Policy outlines how I collect, use, and protect your information when you engage with the service. By using my services, you agree to the terms outlined below.

1. Information I collect

I collect personal information that is necessary for providing effective counselling services. This may include, but is not limited to:

• Personal Information: Your name, contact information (email, phone number, etc.), and date of birth.

• Health and Medical Information: Relevant medical or mental health history, diagnoses, treatment plans, and other information related to your counselling needs.

• Session Notes: Any information shared during counselling sessions, including process notes, treatment goals, and recommendations.

2. How I use your information

Your personal information is used exclusively for providing and improving my counselling services. Specifically, I may use your information to:

• Schedule and manage appointments.

• Tailor counselling sessions to your needs.

• Communicate with you about your sessions and progress.

• Maintain necessary records for clinical and legal purposes.

• Comply with legal and ethical obligations.

3. Confidentiality and Privacy

I take confidentiality very seriously. All information you provide during sessions will be kept confidential, except in the following situations:

• Consent: I may share your information with others only with your explicit consent.

• Legal Requirements: In rare cases, I may be required to disclose information if mandated by law (e.g., in cases of suspected abuse or threats of harm to yourself or others).

• Third-Party Services: I may use third-party service providers for administrative purposes (e.g., billing, appointment scheduling) who may have access to some of your information. These providers are bound by confidentiality agreements.

• Harm to self or others – If I am concerned that you have become a danger to yourself or other people then I might contact the appropriate services to support you.  I will attempt to discuss this with you first, but this may not always be possible.

• Criminal activity - I am not bound by confidentiality if in good faith I feel that I can assist in the prevention or detection of a serious crime, this includes safeguarding issues regarding children or vulnerable adults, crimes regarding substantial financial gains and losses, and acts of terrorism.

4. Data Security

We implement security measures to protect your personal information from unauthorized access, loss, or misuse. These measures include:

• Secure storage of physical and electronic records.

• Regular audits of my systems to ensure compliance with privacy standards.

5. Your Rights and Choices

As a client, you have the right to:

• Access: Request a copy of the information I hold about you.

• Correct: Request corrections to any inaccurate or incomplete information.

• Withdraw Consent: Withdraw consent for the use of your information at any time (except when required by law).

• Delete: Request the deletion of your personal data, subject to certain legal and professional obligations.

6. Retention of Information

I will retain your personal and health information only for as long as necessary to provide counselling services and fulfil my legal, ethical, and administrative obligations. Once your data is no longer needed, it will be securely deleted or anonymized.

7. Changes to This Privacy Policy

I reserve the right to update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Any changes will be communicated to you through appropriate channels, and the updated policy will be posted on my website with a new effective date.

8. Contact me

If you have any questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or how your personal information is handled, please contact me at:

[Claire’s Counselling Service]
[claire.counsellor@yahoo.com]

[07395 055045]